Governor DeSantis announces that Success Academy will open its first campus in Miami providing high-quality education for families
Miami, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that Success Academy, one of the nation’s highest-performing charter school networks, will open its first campus in Miami as part of Florida’s Schools of Hope initiative. The announcement represents a significant expansion of high-quality educational options for families in communities traditionally served by persistently low-performing schools.
“Florida leads the nation in educational freedom, and today we are adding to that promise,” said Governor DeSantis. “With Success Academy opening in Miami, students will now have access to one of the highest-performing education models in the country. Florida’s families deserve world-class education, and we will continue to make it available to every child no matter their zip code.”
Success Academy, founded in 2006 and recognized nationally for its strong academic record, serves thousands of students across the United States. Its arrival in Miami will provide families with an additional opportunity for high-quality instruction, especially in neighborhoods where traditional public schools have struggled to meet student needs.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, parents are empowered to choose the educational path that best suits their children’s unique needs,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Success Academy offers families another high-quality option, backed by a nationally recognized track record of academic excellence and school improvement.”
The Schools of Hope program, established in 2017, aims to address achievement gaps in low-performing schools. By partnering with Hope Operators, nonprofit charter networks with proven success serving low-income families, the program ensures students have access to educational environments that foster academic growth and personal development. The ultimate goal is to provide every child, regardless of their neighborhood or family income, with a chance to succeed at the highest levels.
Governor DeSantis has made school choice a central focus of his education agenda, implementing a series of initiatives to expand opportunities for students and families across Florida. In 2023, he signed House Bill 1 into law, making Florida the first state to provide universal school choice to all families, regardless of income. Today, more than 1.8 million students, over half of the state’s K-12 population, are enrolled in a school choice option, including charter schools, magnet schools, and private school scholarship programs.
The Personalized Education Program, created through House Bill 1, offers flexible funding to parents, allowing them to customize learning for their children. This initiative enables families to select tutoring, curricula, or specialized programs that match their child’s unique needs. Florida currently has more than 150,000 students participating in home education, reflecting the growing demand for personalized learning options.
This summer, Governor DeSantis also signed Senate Bill 248, which expands opportunities for homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities. The law allows homeschooled students to play on local high school sports teams, join bands, and take part in other school-based activities without losing their homeschool status. These legislative efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to providing families with both academic and extracurricular choices.
The opening of Success Academy in Miami is expected to have a meaningful impact on students in the region, particularly those attending schools that have historically underperformed. By introducing a rigorous and well-regarded academic model, the program aims to boost achievement, close learning gaps, and provide families with a viable alternative for their children’s education.
The Florida Department of Education encourages parents and families to learn more about school choice opportunities, including Success Academy, by visiting www.fldoe.org. As Florida continues to expand educational options, programs like Success Academy represent a broader effort to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education and the tools they need to thrive.
